David Warren - Author

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08/09/2026

OUT OF CONTROL!

To all those who have shown an interest — however distant — in some of the work I’ve been involved in around coercive and controlling leadership within the church.

You may therefore be interested in a new book to be published on 5 November: Out of Control!

Over the past year, I’ve had the joy and privilege of working alongside the amazing Elise Heerde from Australia, to produce what we hope is a challenging, practical and accessible book exploring the hugely important issue of coercive and controlling leadership within the church.

Elise brings a unique perspective, drawing on her own lived experience as a leader within an influential megachurch and her subsequent work as a highly regarded counsellor, writer and advocate specialising in religious trauma and mental health.

Out of Control! takes the reader on a journey through psychological safety, theology, trauma, coercive behaviours and the cultures that can allow unhealthy leadership to develop and flourish.

But this isn’t simply a book about identifying problems. It is intended to help churches and leaders have better conversations, ask difficult questions and think about how healthier and safer cultures can be created.

The book also includes practical suggestions and a short psychological-safety assessment, designed to help churches reflect honestly on their own culture.

So, how might you get involved?

You could simply buy a copy — or several copies — and start exploring the issues for yourself.

The Amazon price will be £10.99, but I can supply copies directly for a maximum of £8 each, including postage and packing. If you would like copies, just message or email me with your requirements and we can work out the cost.

You might also consider inviting me to lead a conversation with your leaders around psychological safety, coercive leadership or related issues. I’m happy to do this for free, on the understanding that participants purchase a copy of the book at £10 each. If you are able to cover expenses or make a ministry gift, that would of course be greatly appreciated, but no problem if not.

Another possibility is to use the psychological-safety assessment in the book as a starting point for conversation within your church or leadership team. I’d be very happy to arrange a follow-up conversation with you via Teams, Zoom or WhatsApp to explore what the assessment raises.

There may be other ways you could use the book or engage with the subject — and I’d genuinely welcome your ideas.

My hope is that Out of Control! will not simply become another book sitting on a shelf. I’d love it to become a catalyst for honest conversations and, ultimately, healthier and safer churches.

If you have any questions, would like to order copies, or would like to explore arranging a conversation with your leaders, please feel free to contact me by email at [email protected] or via messaging services on Twitter, Facebook, Threads, LinkedIn, or pigeon post.

More details, quotes and information to follow!

Thank you so much for your interest and support.

David Warren

27/08/2026

Is it possible that ‘Out of Control!’ will be my most significant achievement yet? Reveal time is close. Very grateful to Elise Heerde for her amazing input.

17/08/2026

PRAYER STORM UK

‘Your depression has no place in this nation.’

What? This is from the video advertising re Prayerstorm event in UK.

Can someone please inform these folks about depression!

15/08/2026

Too many pastoral practices remain rooted in outdated and dangerous understanding of demons, mental health and the design and function of the brain.

There needs to be a revolution in some church settings (especially some evangelical / pentecostal / charismatic) so as avoid further harm.

Just like the shift from earth centred views of the universe so a new shift needs to happen. Some will hang on to the old with all their might. Some will shout ‘heretic’ at the new. These reactions are not new.

14/08/2026

ANY THOUGHTS?

I entered the advocacy space by chance. A Twitter post about one situation set some fires alight and so it continued.

In recent months this has led to a second book (on its way), new contacts (a few), some reading around how the brain functions and a load of thinking and research around the topic of spiritual abuse. It’s been a journey involving many survivors, churches and Christian organisations. The stories validate one another and patterns emerge.

One thing I have noted is that the support and advocacy networks sometimes lack male voices. Whole (and brilliant) organisations are dominated by females. In many ways this is totally understandable and logical as most survivors are women. I do, however wonder what other dynamics are involved. Are some of the female leaders in the field naturally and reasonably cautious of us men? Do men, in general have less sympathy and understanding of the issues? Are there other underlying reasons? I really don’t know so please don’t jump on me and shout, ‘It’s simple, stupid!’

Any thoughts?

12/08/2026

The Pain of the Advocacy Space

Many a hero was first painted as the villain. Just remember Hillsborough, The Post Office scandal and many other fights for justice. The fighters were labelled as bitter, disappointed and even dangerous by some in power. In the much less publicised space of spiritual abuse those who have attempted to advocate on behalf of survivors can also find themselves labelled and ridiculed by those in power.

I have been on the end of unfounded allegations and solicitors letters alongside labels such as bitter, heretic, rebellious and a danger to the church. Gaslighting is a very common weapon in the hands of some in positions of power.

What has saddened me most is the consistent refusal to even listen to survivors where there are many common stories and clear evidence of a problem.

Of course not all the stories will be true and some will come with another side. I understand. I have had to make the difficult decisions to move folks aside, to resist manipulative church members and even to ask folks to leave. It’s hard and some will challenge, chase and even continue their unwarranted campaign. That’s the sad reality of church leadership.

But, please can we cut the excuses, stop the defensiveness and resist the pressing of the church protection button.

10/08/2026

AN INTRODUCTION TO A NEW CHARACTER

In ‘Out of Oontrol!’ the reader will be introduced to an old shepherds hut that sits on a hill overlooking a beautiful valley.

The shepherd often listens to the bells ringing out from the beautiful steeple poking out from the village houses below.

The Priest from the church regularly visits the shepherd to talk and listen, but mostly to represent the Bishop.

Once upon a time the shepherd didn’t care for the sheep on the hill. He worked for the church below.

Find out more in November!!

06/08/2026

To anyone who might question motive of writing, ‘Out of Control!’

Firstly, I genuinely understand why you might be concerned. Books that address unhealthy patterns in churches can feel uncomfortable, and none of us wants to contribute to cynicism or division.

What if the motivation is actually the opposite. Loving the Church and believing it is at its best when it reflects the character of Christ—marked by truth, humility, safety and grace. Every organisation, including churches, can develop unhealthy cultures if we are not vigilant. Ignoring those realities does not strengthen the Church; addressing them wisely can.

The book acknowledges that coercive and controlling cultures often develop unintentionally and that leaders themselves can become trapped by fear, unrealistic expectations and unhealthy systems. That is why the book focuses on trauma-informed leadership, psychological safety, courageous followership, healthy theology and practical ways to build cultures where both leaders and congregations flourish.

Not everyone will agree with every conclusion. My hope is that the book encourages conversation, greater compassion and healthier churches. If it helps even a few churches become places where people are safer, leaders are better supported, and the gospel is reflected more faithfully, then I believe it will have served its purpose

05/08/2026

If only process and outcomes were:
Accountable
Independent
Transparent

03/08/2026

Excited by endorsements received for the new book. It is much better and more
Important than the first.

Watch this space.

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Lincoln

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